1980-1982 Ford Thunderbird - Luxury & Electronic Gizmos

[@bornagainsavage9551]

I had a 1982 Town Landau. White with a white vinyl top and the plush interior was tan colored. By far, the quietest car that I ever owned. I remember buying it from a sweet old lady, and as I drove home, I put it in park and revved the engine to see if it was on because it ran so quietly! It was a well balanced 255ci V8 that, I know that it's impossible to believe, would get 30mpg! I turned it into a very clean lowrider with a concert sounding sound system. I still build cars and trucks and haven't owned a Ford since my T-bird. It would be so much fun to find another one and fix it up! I always liked the "Shrunken Lincolns", as I have always affectionately called the 8th generation T-birds!✌🏾Thanks for the great video and the wonderful memories that it inspired!

[@mrpoohbearlvr]

The pillow like seats of old American cars like the T-Bird had, were just SO comfortable. And looked inviting to sit on. Today, you get seats like 2 pieces of plywood with some foam on it.

[@bobsmithinson2050]

So comfortable, but the cloth ones got nasty quick...one fart at a time

[@arnepianocanada]

I had an '80 and agree totally. Best seat for comfort of any car I ever had!

[@johnhutchison9782]

Just like airplane seats.

[@prestoncheapbtheadphoneste3010]

Yeah and over time, those seats sunk in so far it’s like you were sitting on the floor. 😑😐

[@alfx5432]

The fart smells are still preserved in the seats amazing.

[@dodgedurango6591]

The sweetest elderly couple in our church purchased new a silver 1980 Thunderbird... with hearts of gold they let our family use this dream machine for long distance trips and vacations. ☝😃

[@Aptnumber9]

My mother had the 1980 Thunderbird Silver Anniversary with the V*. It was a great car. She drove it for 5 years and I went to my Junior and Senior proms in this car and took my drivers license test in this car. Thanks for sharing, I just took a trip down memory lane.

[@carlosr192]

That's was good time travel voyage...even to me here in Brazil. The luxury American cars came here just in magazines.

[@ThunderAppeal]

Any time I want to lose all interest in automobiles and fall asleep to boot I watch one of the videos from this guys channel.

[@John72TB]

I always loved the unique features they always put into the Thunderbird. I'll always remember when I stopped at an old man's house one day to test drive my first '72 TBird. I as ready to throw her in gear and pull away for a test drive when I noticed the e-brake was set. I spent a full two minutes scouring the interior for the release handle. Finally I joked to my buddy in the passenger seat that "old car e-brakes never work anyway" and just put it in drive. Then with a slight hiss of vacuum the e-brake pedal popped up automatically.... Between that and rear windows that rolled sideways instead of down and I was sold. On a safety side note that vacuum actuator would keep the e-brake from locking the whole time you were in gear. It allowed it to work like a normal brake pedal that you could pump or finesse if needed. I always thought this was far superior to the normal design that encouraged an already slightly panicked person experiencing a brake failure to hit a ratcheting pedal that all but promised to throw you into a slide.

[@veronicahawthorne3452]

Brings back memories of my teenage years. My best friend's mother would drive 45 minutes from Miami to Hollywood Florida to pick me up in one of these and take me back down to south Miami to spend the weekends. The ride in this was SO SMOOTH and QUIET. Like floating on a cloud, almost flying, on the highway. Her car was white with burgundy velour interior with the 302 V8. I loved that car. Also it got great gas mileage for a V8. Wished she would've willed it to me. I'd still be driving it to this day.

[@SuperBooboo02]

bring back some stylish coupes, not everyone wants to drive a suv box

[@97warlock]

exactly

[@johndrake2729]

Right!

[@YoungHeartedSoul]

As much as we all would love to have LSC like Ford/lincoln called it, these auto manifacturers are actaully killing off so many sedans. Just read the Malibu although a smaller econo car is being killed off, the Impala too and ford is right behind. All will be concentrated on the trend of building more SUVS. Ughhh Wish that silly "trend" would stop. I dont follow trends and never owned an SUV. most people will never see dirt with an SUV.

[@eldo59]

That's why I like to buy something old school and drop in a modern engine and tranny. Upgrade the suspension and restore the rest. Making it the ultimate sleeper classic.

[@YoungHeartedSoul]

@@eldo59 I daily drive 3 old cars. 73..72 and an 88

[@thunderray1987]

I grew up with these Thunderbirds because my dad loved them! My dad had several 1977-1979 models & he had several 1980-1982 models as well! These were his favorite cars at the time, I really do miss these cars a lot more than my dad does.

[@adamn7516]

My parents bought a 77 black TBird brand new in summer of 77. Me and my brother were 7 and 8 years old at the time and away at sleepaway camp. They surprised us on parents day by pulling up in the Bird. Me and my brother were more excited about the car than my parents being there.

[@brianpierson7658]

My brother had a 1979 Thunderbird with t-tops. It was white with dark green vinyl interior. It was a nice car.

[@johrons]

It must of been rare. Everyone always use blue. I know it must if been beautiful

[@jamesbulldogmiller]

‘77-‘79 my favorite T-Bird

[@JackF99]

When I was in college at that time I worked as a construction laborer in the summertime. One of the fellow laborers was just retiring. He had been doing it for 40 years or something. He bought a retirement gift for himself and surprised with it one day. It was one of the last '82 Thunderbirds. He had spent a lot of money on it and was very confident it would become an instant collector's item. I remember seeing it thinking it was more like a sad, outdated mini-pimpmobile. I felt bad after the amazing 1983 T-bird came out, knowing that his poor '82 was probably the opposite of a collector car but I ran into him a few years later and he still had that '82. It looked brand-new and he was loving it.

[@DJ_LATIN]

I've owned 2 1982 thunderbird town landaus (black/maroon) and just picked up my 3rd and working on a 4th one which is a 25th anniversary coupe. Love these cars.

[@smacdiesel]

I remember the digital dash being so awesome.

[@chocodiledundee1]

I’ve always loved Ford Thunderbirds ... beautiful cars to my eyes ...the 77-79 7th Generation T-Top is insanity looks , very gorgeous

[@louisbrizzolara7209]

I bought a 1981 Thunderbird Town Landau in navy and tan. Had that until 1988 when my dad died. I sold the T-bird to a cousin and kept my dads 1981 Continental Mark VI sedan. That T-bird went for years. I lived in Chicago, and I would have to start the car in -20 degree mornings. it did it every time. I had a '69 T-bird Town Landau, I bought new, I liked the two equally.

[@kiprandom7208]

The personal luxury market needs a come back.

[@wiibaron]

How about just a coupe? Cheap. Sporty. Luxo. We used to have all of those to choose from. Now it is either 35K for a Challenger Camaro Mustang or you can get a 2 door Hatchback from a couple of the asians. Or a Corvette...

[@johnhull6363]

wiibaron or try to find a a caddy ats coupe...they are like unobtanium

[@charlesmandus574]

Agreed, they were nice cars. Mom, and later, me, we had the Mercury Cougar version from 1977. I also had a 1977 Pontiac Grand Prix as my first car, again a personal luxury car. I'd run naked down the street to have those cars back. Today's cars, they look like jellybeans on wheels.

[@johnhull6363]

Charles Mandus argued with a guy who said they don't sell... I said yeah when they don't make any

[@rodferguson3515]

Forget personal luxury cars ...These cars are in the dust bin of history!!! Cars like that are NEVER coming back folks ... There's no market for them.

[@MrSukiflash]

Bought a all black 80 bird new that year with the 302 and AOD,Had all the bells and whistles which stayed broke from day one.The interior would flood every time it rained or was washed.The dealer had the car over 3 months out of the first 12 that I owned it.Learned a lot from that nitemare!

[@MrMenefrego1]

I was about 14-15 when my father was one of the 184-thousand buyers of the 1979 Ford, Thunderbird models. It was a beautiful Dove Gray with matching leather interior and half-vinyl roof with a sporty silver metal band wrapped around the vinyl top frontage. The '79 T-Bird wasn't exactly a rocket, (thanks to mileage requirements and completely ineffective, and thus, unnecessary, even counterproductive exhaust emission controls) The T-Bird was a sporty-looking, now extinct type of automobile, the 'Personal Luxury Car', which was what most Americans wanted in the era before SUV's, minivans and the computerized 'bubble-mobiles' offered today. The '79 T-Bird sported a 16-valve, 351-CI-V-8, with a very weak, but, fairly normal for the era, 151-HP and a more than respectable maximum torque of 365 N·m. The Ford, Thunderbird was a magnificent example of Detroit's mad scramble to give American consumers the types of automobiles which they truly wanted to drive; Large American-style automobiles with a fairly soft floating ride with a sporty feel and definite aggressive sports car appearance; along with satisfying the dubious exhaust-emission/lower-fuel-consumption demands of the federal govt. Those two factors, the influx of foreign auto-makers, compounded by the oil rich nations self-created oil shortages, nearly destroyed the U.S. Automobile industry!

[@pwrfl2357]

push button keyless entry was one of the best things Ford ever did

[@guidedmeditation2396]

I have driven a 1980 thunderbird and what I remember more than anything is the hard plastic steering wheel that seemed about 30% smaller than normal car steering wheels at the time. I don't know if this was only perception but that is how it seemed. Also I recall it had super light over boosted steering that just flipped the car around easily.

[@MrTitan225]

Nice Vid ! I bought a new 1980 T-Bird ....White with white padded top and red interior.....I liked the new size....it reminded me of the 67 era T-birds with the hide a way headlights and full length tail lights.... I traded the car in 1982 ... needed a bigger car and a sedan.....bought a low mile 1980 Olds 98 Regency......Cadillac's baby cousin....... had 3 teenagers.....needed doors and leg room ...

[@cindytepper8878]

I had one in the late 80's with the 200 six cylinder. It was a solid reliable and comfortable car, but it was ungodly slow. I went to Hawk Mountain in PA and I think it was under 20MPH going up the hill with my foot to the floor

[@ew1usnr]

Those cars are just not seen anymore. Thanks for mentioning them.

[@dartsport1974]

I remember very well when the 1980 Ford Thunderbird came out. I was at the New York auto show at the old Coliseum in Columbus Circle in New York City when I first saw this car. I remember they had a drawing for a 25th anniversary Ford Thunderbird watch as well. I always liked these cars same with the Mercury Cougar during these years.... I did realize though I didn’t see too many of these on the road. I hope this channel shows the Mercury someday. It was interesting with the rooftop options that the Mercury offered. I think there was one rooftop option with three slits in the rear window which might’ve been the XR7 or the luxury group.

[@patricksaxon3983]

I miss the days of personal luxury cars, now all you got is sports cars to race with and to enjoy a nice ride. My very favorite is the 1978 Thunder Bird Town Landau and also the 1981 Lincoln Town Coupe'.

[@elsancho2749]

This brings back memories, my dad had a silver color 78 t-bird, and the first car i ever drove for the first time....

[@trashpanda314]

When a 200 inch car was "downsizing" lol.

[@arnepianocanada]

Second-time downsizing yet! The '77-79 version was much smaller and lighter than in '72-76.

[@trainglen22]

Yes, it was a better car than the 1979 one

[@Relic67]

Keyless entry system was a way ahead of it's time. I love mine and use it almost every day.

[@NorthernChev]

No joke, the introduction of the new for 1983 model Thunderbird took the automotive world by storm. It was THE car to have for the next couple years. Especially if you got the optional Turbo Coupe or better yet Super Coupe with the supercharged V6. They were super stylish and super quick cars (in their day).

[@DA90027]

Looking back it was ugly and looked like a cheap Taurus. The 80 to 82 still had some glam 70s influences.

[@antd8259]

Very informative. My very first car was a 1980 Ford Fairmont futura. At the time, it was 15 years old, but in very good condition, and my brother and I didn't have to ride the bus anymore he he ...

[@joethebar1]

Anthony Dixon I had an 80 fairmont futura as well. 200/6. That car was bulletproof. This Tbird is essentially one of those

[@gcarlson]

The first car I had at my disposal was a '77 T-bird. Drove it thru high school, and for a short time before the compression went, in college. With the ragin' 351 windsor cranking out 140(?) hp for a 4100 pound car, it was known as the thunderchicken. Fun memories, Kraco stereo thumping, doing cookies in the snow.

[@mistermusik]

My brother had a blue 81 T-bird. It was neat. I had a 93 and a 94. Some of my favorite cars.

[@anthonygi6879]

Thanks for the entire 30 seconds of "luxury & electronic gizmos."

[@raymondsmith6315]

When I was about 7 years old, our neighbor bought a brand new 1978 Thunderbird. It was a metallic lime green sort of color. I clearly remember the flip up headlight covers. It seemed to ride so smooth and quiet compared to the 1969 Impala station beater wagon my family had at the time.

[@thebestisyettocome4114]

This Gentleman's voice?. I've listened somewhere. He knows his business. Great history of the Ford Tbird. Thank you 👍

[@Geordo1960]

I really miss those “personal (2 door) luxury cars .” Though I did own a Thunderbird it was the downsized model from 1989. I also owned two Monte Carlo‘s during my life. I loved those cars and they were just perfect for me. If they still made these type of cars I would buy them today. I have often wished that they were still made because I loved each and everyone of mine. There is nothing offered today that is anything like these vehicles and I do regret not having one.

[@MrAamstrom]

Always liked this style Thunderbird. Never did own one myself but my cousins husband had one for two years and liked it except in the winter. This is a breath of fresh air of all the suvs, and pickups you see today.

[@jmjfanss]

And sadly electric vehicles are coming.

[@ziondawson9743]

I really don't get all the hate for Fox Body Thunderbirds'. They are very handsome, comfortable, and much, much lighter than there predecessors. As is said in this video, "The 1980-82 Thunderbird is a car worth owning".

[@NoName-tz5ji]

modular97 you put that a lot nicer then I could,so I’ll just say thank you and leave.

[@leonotarianni7733]

I actually like the squarish shape I consider it a great looking car especially for that Era

[@ziondawson1041]

@Lou SainisThe 82-88 Thunderbirds' are good cars, but if you want a comfortable, rare, and affordable personal luxury car, this is the way to go.

[@ziondawson1041]

@@NoName-tz5ji Thank you! I've had one, and must say mine wasn't in its prime, but I loved for what it was.

[@X92Exploder]

I enjoy your videos. I would love it if you would create a video based on the 1983-1988 Ford Thunderbird. Thanks for your hard work in creating these!

[@tsmith578]

When ever I see one of these T Birds it reminds me of great times.

[@BrenTravisMusician]

Loving your channel. I need those plush seats...

[@citibear57]

I love the image at 10:48. I remember it well from the sales brochure. Not too many people even noticed that the car reflected in the water was actually the classic 1957 T-Bird.

[@robis40]

My mom had the Cougar with a straight 6. Car went for over 200,000 miles with just normal maintenance. She sold it just because she wanted a newer car.

[@primolander]

1983 Is the one I remember when I think Thunderbird. My neighbor had one growing up. It was always a beautiful car to look at.

[@jimh309]

I still think these birds were the most awful! I worked in HS as a gas station attendant at an Exxon station next door to a Ford Dealership. I remember my reaction when one of the sales guys pulled in for gas in his demo. Are you kidding me? I was a true T-bird fan as my family had a 1970 2 door and I eventually had a 66 Landau Q-code. When I came out of the military I bought an 1985 with a 5.0. Black with Red interior! I loved that car! Today I sport a 2004 Mercury Marauder I bought new too. Won't be giving up on it anytime soon.

[@TooLooze]

Those Marauders are amazing.

[@patricksaxon3983]

I liked these Thunderbirds, because they were still pure luxury personal cars as manufactures don't manufacture any more, plus the digital instrument panel was awsome!

[@calvanrootselaar6243]

In the old days at Christmas we played with the box the present came in, in 1980 you could drive it.

[@9HighFlyer9]

My first car was a 15 year old '82 TBird. Dropped in the motor from my brothers wrecked 92 mustang.

[@derekpowell1266]

First and only channel I've subscribed to. Real guy stating real information, not some quirky mellineal hating on old school American cars....

[@roderickjones1283]

Man how the good old dayz. I love old cars! That's why i do model cars!!! Muscle cars!!!

[@gene978]

I was 18 years old in 1980 and headed to the BIG dealers in Worc. Ma. to buy myself a New Thunderbird. Not doing any research ahead of time. The General Manager saw me walking on the lot and pointed me in the direction of his DEMO 1980 Tbird which was so new and cool to me. The price was over 10K but it had most of the options I wanted. I didn’t realize how Fairmont like it was until I got a really good look at the car at home. I traded it in in 1 years time. Later in 1983 I traded again for a NEW Styled 1984 Tbird and it drove and rode like a much more expensive car so quiet too. But the feedback from co workers made me sick when people said “it don’t look like a Tbird” That started to play in my head over and over. I unloaded that car with in a year.

[@jdmjimmy]

I like the 1983-1988 thunderbirds the best

[@styldsteel1]

SPicy rEns meh. Jelly beans on tires.

[@DA90027]

83 was ugly and cheap looking like a Taurus

[@Silkmaster4200]

SPicy rEns 83 to 86 Ford Thunderbird u mean. 87 to 88 are slightly different. The back side windows are different.

[@DA90027]

83-88 looked like a low end cheap Taurus

[@danthurston5264]

And they sold over a million Taurus in the first 3 years of production. The Taurus also brought a new level of quality to Ford that had been lacking for years.

[@balesjo]

I had a 77 TBird with lipstick red body and white vinyl roof and seating surfaces. It ended up a good car that was stylish for a college guy and comfortable on the 7 hour one way trip when I went home on breaks. Drove it until I'd finished school and got a job.

[@terryking1274]

I remember as a kid watching two of these, brand new, waiting to make a turn in opposite directions smash head on once the light turned green.

[@dougn2350]

The push button keyless system is one thing I really miss when I moved away from Ford/Mercury cars. My last Ford was a 2008 Mercury Milan. It was a great car but was severly damaged in a hit and run wreck. I bought my first Hyundai and have been driving Hyundai since then.

[@73twall]

I learned to drive on a 1980 Cougar XR-7, the Mercury version (still) of the [baby] T-bird. I do believe these cars were not only Fox-body, but also just highly massaged 2-door Fairmont Futuras. Still have a soft spot for them.

[@skylinefever]

My grandmother owned a 1982 Cadillac Sedan DeVille and it had about the same number of extra electronic gimmicks. Low horsepower wasn't the only downside to those old engines. The smog devices and electronic engine controls were really difficult to diagnose and repair. It wasn't until Ford created the EEC-IV engine computer that they made a good computerized engine. Back in 1981, there was another good choice if you wanted gadgetry. It was the Datsun Maxima.

[@arnepianocanada]

Marc B.: YES! My '80 T-bird had the best seats in any of my 15+ cars owned - cradled the lower back so well that even 12-hour drives gave zero stress. I still miss the seats.

[@joesinkovits6591]

I always loved Thunderbirds. We had a ‘67 four-door landau when I was a kid, but I always thought the ‘83 aero-bird was hideous.

[@chocodiledundee1]

Americans are number one 1 in presentations... man those poster are insanity, the cars are amazing inside out , full of luxury , woodgrain, lots of red plush ... wow Americans are # 1 the cars are super fabulous it’s like a castle with wheels , I fully dig it , man those RECARO seats ... man orgasmic , sooooo cool !!

[@scottwalker8855]

I had an 81 heritage with the 302. Bought it second hand from a used car lot...at 18 years old, I got ripped off...the salesman saw me coming!! Beautiful, silver with landau vinyl top, plush comfy interior, premium sound package, huge sunroof, rode like a dream, digital dashboard, keyless entry,loaded with every option available...what more could a young guy want?? That 302 would launch and surprise a lot of Camaro and Mustangs that figured it was just an old man's car🤣 Unfortunately it was one thing after another, mostly electrical, it was such a money pit. The previous owner got rid of it just in time...and I inherited a very costly neverending wallet emptier. Finally I had to cut my losses. I must say though it was one of the most comfortable two door cars I have ever been in to this day...next to a 79 Lincoln mark vii.

[@harryjansen6990]

Looks much better in pictures than in real life. My neighbor had one of them, awful in person. Looked like it could transform at any minute....lol

[@antd8259]

Lol too funny

[@kz1000ps]

I never understood why, when they shrunk the overall length, that they shrunk the wheelbase by an equal amount -- those overhangs are just ridiculous.

[@DA90027]

I bet the same can be said for your wife

[@DWCSM]

One of my friend's parents had one of these Thunderbirds. Absolutely horrible inside & out but it did have an eight-track!

[@robertbeckman2054]

my 1981 datsun 280zx 2+2 had a TON of electronic gizmos...loved it. It steered and braked great. I still remember that cool whine sound when accelerating on a cold engine. The early to mid-80's had that over-technology feel, where each piece had it's own label/compartment/area, etc., to let the user feel like they were driving a small plane on the ground.

[@bezzlebedeviled4756]

This is one of the best channels on KZbin, and it gets only 1% of the views it deserves.

[@joe6096]

That’s because the narrator talks like he falling asleep or he’s talking to a deaf person. If he had better projection and an invigorated personality I’d subscribe, but he doesn’t so I don’t.

[@katana258]

wife had a used 81 blue 200 6cyl. .. just ran and ran would float along at 75mph all day long , reshocked with good road handlers and tires and done .. best seats I ever sat in .. p.s. I has a 59 352 that floated along at 85 on old route 66 in 1966 from Rochester n.y. to l.a. in 3 days ..sweet car ..

[@melrose9252]

I recall that sales of the 83’s went through the roof compared to the dismal 82 T bird sales.

[@DA90027]

Funny since I thought the 83 was ugly and looked like a Taurus

[@davidmason4037]

Thunderbird, Cougar, Toronado, Cadillac Eldorado, Buick Riviera, Monte Carlo and Grand Prix to name a few. When a two door car was not only sporty but pure luxury. Those days are certainly behind us. The seats in these cars was like a comfy recliner.

[@thetreblerebel]

I remember seeing the TBird headlight covers as a young kid in the late 80s. Huge cars these later pre-fox ThunderChickens

[@Clarkecars]

I sold these and the predecessor `77-79 models when they were new and of course drove them as demonstrators. The Thunderbirds, and Cougars, as well as Chrysler's Cordoba, were far and away nicer cars than those offered by BOP and C. The Granada/Monarch were also pretty good cars, but unfortunately, Ford did not offer a split "bench" type front seat in those models. I love cars from the late `70s through the early 1990s because they offer creature comforts without all of the troublesome computer monitoring systems found on today's cars that will completely disable a car from functioning.

[@wafflesnfalafel1]

had a buddy in highschool with one of the 302 2dr Granadas - heck of a sleeper, (but that Ford steering box... whoo boy, you could barely keep it in the lane.)

[@artjones2498]

waffles it wasnt the box but the goofey hydraulic steering cylinder that made them steer like that ...it was a varitiation of the earlier 71 2 and 3 mustangs...yes it was awful

[@stangtrax]

I use to own a 1982 Thunderbird. It was all black a super clean with bright red interior with the 4.2 V8. I still think it is ugly but I only had about $1,700 in it after repairs. The digital speedometer would stop registering after 88, but it keep going and floating.

[@01zipdisk]

They were a serious styling down grade from the t-birds of the 70’s and sales reflected this

[@oliverdelgado6952]

I'm 35 years old and remember seeing maybe 2 in my life time driving around

[@captaincrunch8333]

The late 70's T-Birds were cheap looking to me. I worked at a car detailing place and worked on a few. Years later I saw an 1981 T-Bird going cheap and took a chance. It was a pleasure to drive and the perfect size for me with rack and pinion steering.

[@dougkennedy4906]

I would love to make a 81 into a modern monster.

[@branon6565]

In 3rd grade, a classmate and his Dad gave me a ride home in their 77-79 T-Bird, don't know the exact year but I remember the bodystyle. Why this is burned into my memory is because it was the first time I had ever ridden in a black persons car. It had plastic covering every seat and headrest, had "Superstitious" by Stevie Wonder on the 8track tape player, and it smelled like cologne and the product they put in their hair (Jerry curl juice).....lol Willie and his Dad were good dudes...

[@dougn2350]

Branon Fontaine... Sort of a stereotype but probably true for that era.

[@fastdude2002]

D N usually a reason for stereotypes.......

[@benjafovi1cr328]

Branon Fontaine Willies dad Stole that car. lol.

[@normanduke8855]

Black guys love their cars just like white guys do. Some of them are good shade tree mechanics too. That's something we have in common. We should emphasize the things that bind us together. We're all Americans. We have a great Country and that's the most important thing.

[@chrisl8355]

@@normanduke8855 Hear, hear!

[@FRANCIS6189]

They look like Ford Fairmounts in drag.

[@DA90027]

sounds like your ex wife on Halloween

[@ComputerLearning0]

*PAUL PETERSON* That's because they WERE (Fairmont's in drag that is...)

[@carlosdyer5868]

Yes ! I agree !

[@johnrambo5619]

As a person who has owned 5 (currently still have 3) Fairmonts, I can agree with this

[@73twall]

More specifically, the 2 door Futura. Because that's what it was. I still love them.

[@chocodiledundee1]

Amazing video thank you , yes I love one of those too ... so much Hi-Tech for the era .... like a spaceship, imagine it back then ... mind blowing for sure , it blow my mind right now imagine back in 1980....

[@kennybranshaw7526]

I owned a 1985 Thunderbird Elan and a 1992 Thunderbird... However, I am very fascinated with this model in review.

[@l337pwnage]

I knew someone with one of the 255 cid 3spd ones. He later dropped in a hopped up fuel injected 302 as the 255 wasn't exactly a speed demon, lol. I also knew another guy who had the Cougar XR7 version, and that one had the 302 and 4 spd stock. That thing was pretty peppy. :)

[@reinderkalsbeek4748]

Between this car and Jimmy Carter laid me off

[@danielparrish5438]

I owned a 1980 Thunderbird and what I remember most is the talking computer that would tell you about such things as "low on gas", "door ajar", "please fasten seatbelt", and several other phases phrases that let you know about the condition of the car.

[@sneakerfreak2002]

You’re thinking about the Chrysler New Yorker

[@nonelost1]

Great video! I'm glad to see that the '80-'82 generation is finally getting some kudos, though it does acknowledge the unpopularity of this "stop gap" generation. But obviously, I'm in the minority as I always liked the looks of the '80-'82 generation. I owned a used '82 back in the day, as well as a used '65 T-bird. My favorite generations were the '58-'60's, the '64 and '65 (but never liked the '66 as much), the '80-'82, and the final '02-'05 two seater version. Yeah I know, all those generations I mentioned are "sleeper" generations (except the mid-60's generation).

[@texanfournow]

My father worked for Ford and used the employee lease program to get a new car every year for about half-price. From 1978 to 1983, he leased five Thunderbirds and one Cougar (essentially the same car). The 1978-79 models were roomy and rode well, but looked kinda weird and got poor gas mileage. The 1980 & 1982 T-birds were so different. But my favorite was the 1981 Cougar in navy blue. I liked driving that car. It was nimble, comfortable, and had enough power with the 302. The 1983 T-bird with the turbo 4 cyl. was a dog! It looked cool but was so slow. Fun times.

[@thunderbirdauthority8315]

You make great videos keep up the great job awesome !!!!

[@mtjeeves1234]

Had a dark blue 81. Was gutless, but it got great mileage, ran forever, and was a comfy ride. One of the few 80's cars I had where all the electronics didn't fail and destroy the car. I put at least 115k miles on it after I got it. Traded it for a dodge panel van with a straight 8 in it. Until I saw this video I didn't realize that the digital dash was optional. Was one of the few good fords I've owned though.

[@dennisleporte2327]

Yeah I had a black 81 with the 302. I didn'tknow about the digital speedo...

[@joelbosso1331]

I'm glad he mentioned the Ford door lock combination key pad. I own a F150 with this option and I love it. I think it will be obsolete soon with the advent of key-less entry and push start soon though.

[@elizabethcherry920]

Gen7 and Gen8 are my favorite Thunderbirds. The Gen8 with the fox chassis can be upgraded with ease. Most of the mustang high performance parts can be put on the Gen8 models.

[@benmussolini2284]

I had a 78 Cougar with a 351 M and then I bought a 1980 Thunderbird with a 302 and I really missed my Cougar ,I should have never sold my Cougar ,i would probably still be driving it today .

[@JonnyHolms]

Thanks for another great review. I always watch, always. Jeff

[@crist67mustang]

For me, 1958, 1964,1967,1973,1980,1988 and 2002 are the most marvelous Thunderbird of history. I choose 1980-1982 as my favorite one, due the design and conceptuality, (if well a little angulous) but I xan see harmony of lines and rich in proportions of wheel distance. I see it like a very well though car. For me it is very Cadillac shape being a Ford. In faxt please notice outer wheel rectangular shape, curved corners, it looks elegant as Cadillac are. Also color combination are supreme. Interior seats are amazing full of personality and destined to a fancy drver. Greetings from Santiago, Chile SouthAmerica. Kisses to all gringos!

[@Offthbadan]

As a 12yr. Old in 1980 I said this would be my first car because my older brother had a 72 and then a 74.

[@marshallcurtis3251]

I owned a 1982 Thunderbird. I always loved the looks of that generation of Teebird’s, much better than the ‘83-‘85 generation that followed. Although I recognize that I am in the minority on that one.

[@DA90027]

Marshall Curtis i agree 83 looked like a taurus

[@fastnasty6627]

I agree. I had an 82. Seats were like recliners,Rode smooth, Quick steering and Fords best engine 302, had overdrive too.

[@robinatkins1292]

I am also in the same minority. I had an '80, red on red with white top. I wanted (and still want) an '82 Heritage with velour interior. I think these cars look crisp and tidy, unlike the bulbous blobs of cars that would haunt us from '83 until forever.

[@DA90027]

Robin I agree. Everything after the 82 to me looked cheap. The bumper strips looked cheap the T Bird 83 on looked like the low end Fords. The 82 was the last of the late 70s glam look. At the time I guess the public wanted something new but looking back things got ugly after that.

[@mattkaustickomments]

I’m glad you at least recognize you are wrong. There’s hope for you.

[@mariogullette4795]

I loved both the 1973 - 1976 Thunderbird & 1977- 1979 Thunderbird!

[@gsxerwhite]

My friend’s mom had a red 82 T-bird. We used to call it the mini-boat

[@georgedoughly6344]

My first car was an 1984 Ford Thunderbird. It was White with the 5.0 liter, 302 V8 Engine.

[@lincolnparc8897]

My stepmother had an 81 4.2 V8 , Olive gold with digital dash and AOD. It wasn't exactly powerful but definitely comfortable. angular hood and upright ornament, now that's American!

[@manolexing68]

You are very right about nostalgia. Cars in the new 2000's are all plastic, with an attractive design cue of a high grade erasers. Who knows, 20-30 years down the road we might see plastic chassis and rollover bars? Thank you for this channel bringing us cool cars entertainment!!!

[@granthartford]

Excellent report. I remember these cars new and liked their body style but all of their virtues were fogotten quickly when the 83's arrived.

[@DJ_LATIN]

I dig these birds. I've owned three in the past, and currently own two, a 1982 town landau and a 1980 silver anniversary bird. I'm mostly into 1940s-early 1950s (up to 1954) chevy cars and buick regals/grand nationals but for some odd reason found to like this one ford style.

[@dwilsonjr78]

The reason why the 1980-82 Thunderbird failed was not only because it was ugly, it was underpowered and like other American cars built in the late 70's and early 80's, quality control was missing(aka the Malaise Era). The 1983-88 and 1989-97 Thunderbirds were definitely vast improvements over the 1980-82 models.

[@ChineseGlobalism]

If it's so ugly why does it look so beautiful? 🤔🤔 Get your eyes checked, man.

[@UncleRobsGarage]

@@ChineseGlobalism he is right it's badass ugly that's what did not sell

[@unitedcity_mc4421]

@@UncleRobsGarageno, he’s wrong. It’s not ugly.

[@unitedcity_mc4421]

It wasn’t ugly, it just wasn’t as beautiful as the older T-birds.